Removing Glitter Nail Polish

Ok, so in a previous blog I went down the list of the latest trend in nail polish for the holiday season.
And on that list was several glittery gems to choose from.  But I know several of you groaned a little at the thought of removing it

.

How can something so pretty be such a pain in the keester?  Scrubbing the stuff off is harder than removing paint off a piece of furniture! You use a ton of cotton balls, a half a bottle of remover, and all your patience and finally give up and scrape it off! You know get a nail file and basically sand the polish off. But that can be hard on the nail and can cause chipping and splitting.

So what is a gal to do? While reading some of my favorite websites for latest trends I came across this article in BellaSugar. And it seems so easy. The key was right there in front of us all along. I had to test it out and I have to say, it works!

Here is what you need:

Cotton Balls

Nail Polish Remover

Aluminum Foil

First soak a cotton ball in the remover and apply to the nail then wrap the nail in the foil. Repeat on all the nails. (Tip only do one hand at a time)

Give each foil tipped finger a good squeeze to make sure the remover is saturating the nail.

Let it soak for about five minutes and then slide the foil off to reveal glitter free nails.

You might need to use the soaked cotton balls to remove excess polish near the cuticles. 

Repeat on the other hand.

See, easy peasy! So break out the glitter and polish away!

And Always,

Stay Fabulous

It's cold outside, PUT ON A COAT!

Lately I have been seeing a strange trend among the young girls in my small town of Johnson City, TN. And I think to myself, 'I hope this isn't a growing trend around the world!'

Now, where I am from, downtown is a popular place to be at night because of the variety of bars, night clubs,and restaurants. So it isn't unusual to see people walking down the sidewalk from place to place. Not to mention you have to hoof it from the various parking lots to where all the action is.

As the weather got colder I noticed it didn't prevent the countless numbers of young women from wearing their finest clubwear, including tiny dresses and tummy-bearing tops. Now I am not hating, when I was in my twenty's I wore the same thing. What struck me as odd was that none of them were wearing coats!

They stumbled from bar to bar in little herds, huddled over for warmth. I mean, when did wearing coats become uncool?


Honestly, most establishments provide coat checks for your convenience.

Now that my rant is winding down, I would like to make you aware of an important piece of the winter wardrobe just for this type of situation: the evening coat.

The evening coat is going to be a little nicer than your everyday casual coat. There are many to choose from. My suggestion is to get a coat that hits between mid thigh and just below the knee, depending on how tall you are. If you are short or petite, go for the shorter length.

Evening coats can add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe. Also, think of it this way, you always want to make an entrance. Walk in the door and take the coat off in a way that will show off the outfit underneath. It will help make a statement.

Here are some examples of evening coats. I myself have several, and tend to go the vintage route.

The Puffy Jacket

When the words "Puffy Jacket" are spoken, it tends to bring back memories of childhood when you would bundle up to go outside and play in the snow. But as you got older you dropped the uncool look of the puff for something more mature.

I remember when I was in high school you wouldn't be caught dead in a puffy coat. But as with all things fashion- what goes around comes around.

Now they are everywhere and have had some awesome upgrades made to them. There are styles for everyone.

So this winter you can stay stylish and also stay warm! Check out these new styles, there is something for everyone.

And Always,
Stay Fabulous

Holiday Party Staple

It is that time of year again! The Holiday season is upon us. Time for merriment, gift exchanges, and of course, parties.



But if you are anything like me, this time of year can cause your bank account to deplete fast! With a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach you look at your bank account and wonder how in the world you are going to do it.





How are your going to buy presents for everyone on your list, pay your bills, look fabulous at all the parties you will be attending, and still stay under budget? Or as close as you can and still break even!

Well, as far as the bills and present buying goes you are on your own. But, never fear, the answer to your holiday wardrobe dilemma is right in your closet. That's right, it is the little black dress!

Every woman has one, or at least she should. The reason we all love the little black dress is because of how versatile it is.

With simple little changes such as shoes, jewelry, belts, and even a cardigan or sweater you can have a different outfit for every party! There is even a woman who, for charity, wore the same little black dress everyday for a year- 365 different ways.


Here are some ideas on how to change up the little black dress.

Start making your budget stretch while looking amazing for the holidays! The little black dress is the key. Just think of it as a blank canvas with endless possibilities.

And Always

Stay Fabulous

Holiday Metallic

New trend from StyleSpot: Silver is everywhere this Holiday Season. It has always been my favorite metallic, but what are your thoughts? Personally, I love it!

Check out these looks on StyleSpot.com.

Making Old Shoes New

My friend's boot had started to
rip where it was folded in a box.

We all know the heartbreak of having to give good shoes a proper burial because they have one too many scuffs or some other surface damage. Well before you play taps and start the twenty-one gun salute, take an evaluation of the situation. How bad is the damage and can it be repaired? If it cannot be repaired, can you add a slight improvement to cover the damage?

There are a zillion ways to update or repair a damaged shoe. That is, unless it is the heel, and for that you will need to take it to a professional or just start the funeral.

I am gonna show you how I repaired a pair of boots for a friend of mine. She folded the boots in half to store them in the closet and it caused the snake skin detailing to crack.

What I used was some wide black ribbon, skinny black ribbon with some sparkle detailing, and some spray adhesive.








Measure and cut the ribbon to cover the damaged area. I decided to have the ribbon to go from top of the boot to the black band around the ankle.





Next I sprayed the ribbon with the spray adhesive and applied it to the shoe. Be careful- it will get your fingers sticky as well as your work area. If you want, wear gloves and put down something to protect your table top.

Make sure the ribbon adheres to the shoe with out lifting off. Then apply the second ribbon down the middle of the first. I repeated this on the back as well.



And just like that, my friend has a new pair of one-of-a-kind boots!



You can also use fabric or lace to cover a shoe. Also, don't forget to get out the glue gun and add feathers, gem stones, and flowers. Be creative, and the next thing you know everyone will want to know where you got those shoes.

So remember, before you toss out those worn shoes, see if you can save them. Bring them back to life and walk proud in your one-of-a-kind shoes just for you!

No Raccoon Eyes

Dark under-eye circles are one blemish that can plague a woman's life. Whether it is hereditary or just lack of sleep, it is something we hate. Dark circles can make you look sleep deprived and heaven forbid, older.

Because I have an olive complexion, mine are due to my skin tones. I will also admit I don't get enough sleep.

We spend huge amounts of money on concealers, creams, and treatments to try to reduce the look of them. But there are easier and more wallet-friendly ways to reduce them found right in your home.

Now the number one secret to prevent or diminish dark circles is plenty of sleep and drinking lots of water. But who are we kidding? We all know with the busy day-to-day schedules of the average person, no one is getting the proper amount of sleep.

With that said, here is a list of ways to reduce dark under eye circles:

1. Black Tea Bags: Tea of any kind reduces inflammation and will decongest the skin. (A dark circle fraction.)

Heavily caffeinated tea is a vasoconstrictor which shrinks veins under the skin reducing the look of dark circles.

Now, if you do not want to lay with tea bags under your eyes I don't blame you. We are busy gals and have things to do. So try this little trick:

Brew some extra strong tea, soak some cotton pads in it, and place them under the eyes. With the cotton soaked in tea it will stay in place and this way you can go about your day while you treat your under eye circles.

I would leave it on for at least ten to twenty minutes.

2. Hydration: Dark under-eye circles can look worse when the skin is dry because it makes it appear thinner, and therefore will give you a bruised look under your eye.

This is why hydration is very important. So drink plenty of water, and try using some Olive Oil under the eyes.

This is a treatment I personally love. I like to mix a little with my moisturizer and dab under the eye. DO NOT RUB IN, just dab and let it absorb into the skin. Put it on at night before you go to bed.

3. Arnica: This is a herb known to help reduce bruising and muscle soreness.

It will reduce inflammation and boost circulation, which will flush out low-oxygen blood that give the eyes a bruised, puffy look.

Mix about a half tablespoon of Arnica with a little water and honey to make a mask. Apply on the under-eye area, being careful not to get it into the eye. I would leave it on for no less than ten minutes.

4. Raw Potato: Dark circles caused by pigmentation and not visible veins or thin skin need this treatment.

Raw potato is a great way to naturally lighten the skin. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase that, when exposed to air, oxidizes into benzoquinone derivative, a gentle relative of common skin lightener hydroquinone. (Yeah, I sound smart!)

Wash your potato and then grate it into a pile. Wrap the pile in two separate cheese cloths and place under the eyes. Then just lay back and let it sit for twenty minutes.

I hope these tips help you with your own Raccoon eyes. Because we all know the "I stayed out way too late and had to get up at the crack of dawn" look isn't pretty!

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Red Cheeks Are For Elves

Dry, ruddy skin can be a problem, especially during the fall/winter months. No matter if it is due to chapped, sensitive skin or naturally pink hues, it can cause unwanted redness.

Although a natural flush is pretty, splotches of red can be uncomfortable. And depending on the severity, it can make the most confident of us self-conscious. But don't worry, there is help. Before you pile on the concealer, try one of these easy treatments for temporary relief.

Green Tea

1. Green Tea: Green Tea is an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, which will re-hydrate and replenish the skin.

Brew the tea and dilute with cold water. Use a clean cotton ball or pad and rinse the face with it. For severe redness brew the tea extra strong and do not dilute. Place the tea in the freezer to cool down.

(Tip: the tea can also be frozen in an ice cube tray and then pop a cube out when you want to use one.)


2. Ibuprofen or Aspirin: Both are anti-inflammatories which will reduce redness. Refer to my previous blog post Zits Be Gone. Remember an Aspirin mask will also reduce breakouts.

(If allergic to Aspirin us the Ibuprofen)



3. Benadryl: Or any other antihistamine will reduce redness temporarily. You can take a pill form orally according to package directions. For those last minute quick fixes use the cream on the red areas of the face.

(Caution: Use the cream sparingly because it can cause the skin to thin.)

Turmeric

4. Turmeric: This spice, like Green Tea, is an anti-inflammatory. Mix a little with water to make a paste for a mask, add some honey to make it sticky, and rub onto the face to gently remove red spots. I suggest leaving it on for no less then ten minutes to make sure it absorbs into the skin.

5. Visine: Not only does it get the red out your eyes, it will do the same for the skin. Visine is a vasoconstrictor, which makes the blood vessels smaller and less visible, resulting in a less ruddy appearance.

Use a cotton swab or ball and apply to red areas. This will also work on blemishes (zits/pimples) that are inflamed and red.





So this winter keep the healthy flush and leave the rosy red to Rudolph and the Elves.

And Always
Stay Fabulous

November Nail Polish

The seasons are changing, and just as the colors change in the world around us, we tend to change the colors of our wardrobe. But this isn't limited to shoes and clothing.

Because of the season change, many of us have a tendency to change the colors of our makeup. And that includes nail polish.

The trend for nail color this November is metallic and glitter. Here are some of the hottest colors that you can rock all the way to winter!

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Urban Decay Holiday Nail Kit ($28)

Nails Inc. Donmar collection ($20)

Dior Vernis in Or Divin ($22)

Nicole by OPI in Snow-man of My Dreams ($7)

Sephora by OPI Glimmer Wonderland Mini Nail Colour Set($18)

Butter London polish in The Black Knight ($14)

Lancôme Le Vernis Mini in 003 ($15)

Givenchy Vernis Please! nail lacquer in Noir Cèleste($17)d caption

Forever 21 Indie Rock Glitter nail lacquer ($3)

Paul & Joe Ornamental nail enamel in O Holy Night ($19)